Butterfly Rewards - earn free credits and redeem for good causes -  learn more!
my care2
make a difference
healthy & green living: more than 5,000 ways to enhance your life

customize your free newsletter

Customize your Healthy & Green Living newsletter now


7 Ways to Fight Cellulite (slideshow)

posted by Megan, selected from Planet Green Nov 6, 2009 11:06 am

By Laurel House, Planet Green

Roughly 90 percent of all women are affected by it. The unsightly skin condition is unbiased, tackling women of all shapes and sizes- skinny, average or overweight, even supermodels (Tyra Banks most recently admitted to having it). Still, the media makes a big deal out of cellulite — causing a frenzy to try to find a cure. While treatments ranging from non-invasive laser procedures to surgery, plus a slew of chemically infused topicals, tout their smoothing ability, those of us who try to maintain a more natural and green beauty mentality feel stuck in the cold — forced to suffer with the rippled dimples. Thankfully, there are green lifestyle changes we can make to help minimize the appearance of cellulite without going under the knife or surrendering to toxic treatments. Yes, you can tackle your cellulite troubles and save money by going green!

What is cellulite?
Cellulite is not caused from fat. It’s actually an issue of weak connective tissues. When the bands of connective tissue that separate the layer of normal fat from the dermis (the middle layer of skin), free-floating fat cells can penetrate the weakened lattice and become trapped just below the surface of the skin. It’s that trapped fat that results in the dimpling of the skin that we know as cellulite.

Why do connective bands weaken?

  • Genetics
  • Age
  • Circulation
  • Hormones (which is why few men have cellulite)

Is cellulite a superficial or a serious problem?
Both actually. Cellulite may start as just a cosmetic problem. But it’s a progressive condition that worsens with age. As it worsens and the fat sacks become fuller and tougher, they can actually be quite painful when under pressure (like when you are sitting down). Thankfully, similar to other progressive medical problems, cellulite can be minimized, managed and therefore contained…more or less. However, there is no cure for cellulite. The biggest problem with cellulite treatments is that there really aren’t any great treatments. There are some good options out there, but they are temporary fixes. If you want to help minimize the appearance of cellulite and stop its proliferation, the best plan of attack is to strengthen the fibers of the connective tissues so that no more fat can permeate into the dermis, by making green lifestyle changes.

Next: How to prevent, contain, and minimize the severity of cellulite

More on Diet & Nutrition (301 articles available)
More from Megan, selected from Planet Green (23 articles available)

8 comments

8 comments

add your comment »
8 comments add your comment
Kristianna L.

Great.This is very useful topic.You know I am one who is trying to fight Cellulite.Thanks for sharing such a great post.I will also try these steps.lets see whether it is effective or not.
xmas gifts

Alex R.
  • Alex R. says
  • Nov 11, 2009 7:53 AM

Hey Julie J., don't do what on a septic system???

Too many grain products in one's diet is thought to contribute, i.e.: corn, (not a vegetable but a grain), bread, pasta...you know..all those things you love that don't love you!

Natalia H.

Dry skin brushing, massage, aromatherapy might be very helpful as well. Here are some more great tips:

Anna S.
  • Anna S. says
  • Nov 7, 2009 11:32 AM

A cup of green tea with part of dry seaweed sheet (Yaki Sushi Nori) - we do that.

Hannah T.

Cellulite. . . a "progressive medical condition" Oh come on. If you eat too much garbage and don't get enough exercise, you get fat. end of story. Don't make this NORMAL physiological process a "medical condition" You're contributing to the notion that normal body functions are disease processes, like being pregnant! Our bodies have evolved into an incredibly complex set of systems to ward off famine, disease, etc. Things current generations, fortunately, do not have to worry (much) about. Our food and water supply is horribly contaminated w/pollutants and GMO's. Our bodies are under attack, and do the best they can with what is provided them.

Julie J

Don't do it if you are on a septic system!!!

Sunny RainbowHeart

Fabulous, intelligent, effective and inexpensive!

Sunny RainbowHeart

Fabulous, intelligent, effective and inexpensive!

Please enter your comment.
Or, log in with your
Facebook account:
1500 characters remaining

who's talking about this story?

Disclaimer: Care2.com does not warrant and shall have no liability for information provided in this newsletter or on Care2.com. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use. It is recommended that before you begin to use any formula, you read the directions carefully and test it first. Should you have any health care-related questions or concerns, please call or see your physician or other health care provider.

1013278

Copyright © 2009 Care2.com, inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved